Graduate Program

Applying

Students admitted to the program from a variety of backgrounds. Some come from disciplines closely related to the likes of psychology, neuroscience, computer science, cognitive science and linguistics, and others.

This richness of backgrounds is a source of great strength for the program because of its students. ALTHOUGH we do not stipulate the kinds of backgrounds students should have, we do expect applicants for admission to have outstanding academic records, and to be reliable to demonstrate their capacity for thinking and clear formal expression of ideas.

How to Apply

Submit the University's secure online application for graduate study. There is a $60 non-refundable application fee for all applicants.

The closing date for applications for admission in Fall 2019 is December 2, 2018. We cannot guarantee consideration to applications received later than that date or incomplete on that date.

The department's Graduate Admissions Committee reviews all applications. Candidates who are under serious consideration will be invited to visit the department. Interviews are arranged by invitation only. Decisions on all applications will be made before April 1.

The department accepts students only for full-time PhD study and beginning only in the fall semester.

Standardized Tests

Applicants are urged to take tests. A delay in receipt of GRE scores will cause a delay in the consideration of applications.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE):

GRE exam scores, verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing sections, are required of all applicants to our graduate program. An advanced test in a field of specialization is not required.

The University of Rochester institution code number for the GRE score report is 2928. Department code number is 2002 Cognitive Psychology.

GRE test scores are valid and reportable for five years.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS):

Either test is required of all applicants whose native language is not English. The requirement may be waived upon other satisfactory demonstration of competency in English. See waiver requirements under information for non-US students.

TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid and reportable for two years after the test date and there is no limit to the number of times you can take the test.

The University of Rochester institution code number for the TOEFL score report is 7267. Department code number is 58 Psychology, Experimental/Developmental.

Information for Non-US Students

Any documents or letters submitted in support of your application should be in English or should be accompanied by an English translation. Please do not send secondary school records.

Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take IETLS or TOEFL (unless waived as noted below). In many countries visas will not be issued without proof of adequate proficiency in English, such as a satisfactory score on that test.

This requirement is automatically waived only if ALL previous instruction was conducted in English.

Applicants may request a waiver if they meet one of the following criteria:

Are currently enrolled at an English-speaking institution

Have lived in an English-speaking country for four years or longer

Have received a degree from an English-speaking institution

For students who are required to take the IETLS or TOEFL, the outcome of the testing will be either "ESL course required" or "ESL course not required". The course, Academic English Communication and Accent Reduction is a semester-long course taught in the fall. Testing will be done by the University of Rochester a week before the fall semester begins.

To obtain a visa for study in the United States, international students must present the Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or IAP-66) at a US consulate or embassy and demonstrate full proof of ability to pay all tuition and living expenses for the first year of study. The department's fellowship covers the expenses for a single person with no dependents.

In cooperation with this department, International Services Office at the University of Rochester will issue the I-20 or IAP-66 after a student has been admitted. Questions should be sent to International Services Office, 209 Morey Hall, University of Rochester, P.O. Box 270446, Rochester, NY 14627-0446, telephone (585) 275-2866, fax (585) 244-4503, email questions@iso.rochester.edu, or visit the ISO website.

Personal Statement

Transcripts

Applicants are required to submit academic transcripts from each college/university attended. You may submit your transcript using one of the following methods:

Upload a scanned copy of your official transcripts. Include any transcript key or guide that your school provides. Scanned transcripts must be clear and legible, and documentation for each institution should be saved in a separate single file. See application instructions for further details on scanned transcripts. After uploading your transcript please preview the file to ensure readability. Preferred method.

Send transcripts via postal mail directly to this department. Use the address shown in the mailing address section below.

If your transcripts are not in English, you must also provide a certified English translation. Please note that the University of Rochester reserves the right to verify the accuracy of all transcripts, and to require submission of official documentation at any point in the admissions review process. Offers of admission are contingent on receipt of final official transcripts.

Letters of Recommendation

Provide the names, titles, and addresses of three present or former academic references whom you have asked to recommend you. If you have been employed six months or more, a letter from your supervisor may be desirable as one of the three recommendation letters.

Please double check the email addresses. These people will be contacted via email and will be asked to upload their recommendation via the web (we may also contact them by mail or phone to verify their recommendation). Contact your references ahead of time, so that they can expect our request for a recommendation. If any of your recommenders prefer they can fill out a paper form instead of submitting their reference online. Please note that you still need to enter your recommenders' information in the application.

You will be able to view the status of the electronic submission of your recommenders, and you will have the ability to re-send email to the recommender if necessary by returning to this page after you have submitted your application and clicking on the 'Recommender Status' button that will appear after your application is submitted.

Supplementary Application Materials

The Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences does not require applicants to submit a sample of writing; however, applicants are welcome to include supplementary materials, such as CV, honors essays, theses, published works or the like, that they believe may enhance their application to this department. If publications are listed, please provide complete references.

Additional supplemental materials can be submitted electronically by uploading your documents to the online application form.

Policy

The University of Rochester and the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences value diversity and are committed to equal opportunity for all persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Further, the University complies with all applicable nondiscrimination laws in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities.

Questions on compliance should be directed to the College, or to this department, or to the University's equal opportunity coordinator, University of Rochester, P.O. Box 270501, Rochester, NY 14627-0501. Phone (585) 275-4321.